Chlorine Valence Electrons
Why chlorine has 7
Chlorine has 17 electrons, arranged as 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p5. The highest shell is n = 3, holding 3s2 3p5, so 2 + 5 = 7.
Chlorine is in group 17; for groups 13–18 subtract 10 from the group number.
What that means for bonding
Chlorine needs 1 more electron to complete an octet, so it tends to gain one (forming Cl−) or share one in a single covalent bond.
Electrons per shell: 2, 8, 7. See the chlorine electron configuration and orbital diagram or the full chlorine data sheet.
Same group, same count
Chlorine valence electrons FAQ
How many valence electrons does chlorine have?
Chlorine has 7 valence electrons. Its electron configuration is 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁵, and the outermost shell (n = 3) holds 3s² + 3p⁵.
How do you find the valence electrons of chlorine?
Chlorine is in group 17; for groups 13–18 subtract 10 from the group number.
How many bonds does chlorine form?
Chlorine needs 1 more electron to complete an octet, so it tends to gain one (forming Cl−) or share one in a single covalent bond.
What is the Lewis dot structure of chlorine?
The symbol Cl with 7 dots around it, one per valence electron, placed singly on each side before any side is paired.
How many core electrons does chlorine have?
10: 17 electrons in total minus the 7 valence electrons.